Paper Prototyping

From MCTCWiki

Contents 1 Topic Assignments 1.1 Learn about Game Paper Prototyping 1.2 Update the Wiki 1.3 Update the Blog 2 Related Links and Tutorials 3 Search the Web for more information

Topic Summary: In this topic you will learn how to create a paper prototype for your game and use it for 'play testing' your game functionality before you start to code in Flash.

Topic Assignments

Learn about Game Paper Prototyping

"Paper prototyping is a widely used method in the user-centered design process, a process that helps developers to create software that meets the user's expectations and needs— in this case, especially for designing and testing user interfaces. It involves creating rough, hand-sketched, drawings of an interface to use as prototypes, or models, of a design." Read more on Wikipedia.

Watch the following examples of game paper prototypes:

First, a guide, by Daniel:

Next, an example of a finished prototype, by "The Fourth Column", a Globaloria team:

Create your own paper prototype!

Draw a paper prototype for your game idea.

• Download and print this paper prototype template.
• Make enough copies of the template for each page of your prototype, then fill it in by hand.
• Draw the title/opening scene of your game.
• Draw each of the scenes of your game.
• Use boxes and simple shapes to represent elements of the screen.
• Make sure you can place all the game objects and interface elements on the screen.
• Use cutouts to represent buttons, changing text and moving objects.
• Focus on functionality, not graphic design (that will come later.)
• Fill in the scene names, linked scenes, and scene contents on the back of each page.
  
  

If you need some inspiration, check out these Tips and Tricks from the Trenches of Paper Prototyping.

Playtest your prototype with your team members.

• Refine your scenes based on what works and does not work.
• Post the results of your playtesting on your team page.
• Exchange paper prototypes with another team and playtest their work.
• Answer the following questions about their work (without asking them!):

1. What kind of game is it?
2. What social issues does the game discuss?
3. What is the main goal of the game?
4. What is the main activity of the game? (e.g., platforming, puzzle solving, or others)
5. Are there any problems with how the game works?

• Add your comments to their team's talk page.

Videotape your prototype and upload it to the Internet!

• Use a camera to videotape a playthrough of your paper prototype and upload it to the free video sharing site Viddler.com.
• Embed your Viddler clip in the Paper prototype section of your Team page so others can watch it.

Update the Wiki

• Embed your Viddler clip in the Paper prototype section of your Team page so others can watch it.
• Add written notes about your prototype under the video.
• Watch another team's paper prototype video, and leave feedback on their Team page.

Update the Blog

Suggested Post Ideas

• How has this assignment helped you think more clearly about your game idea? Has it caused you to modify your ideas or approach? Why or why not?

Comment on the blog of another Globaloria student in your Knowledge Community!

Related Links and Tutorials

Here are optional tutorials and activities you can do to learn more Paper Prototyping:

• The Paper Chase: Saving Money via Paper Prototyping Game Ideas
• The Interaction-Design.org Encyclopedia entry on Mock-ups

Search the Web for more information

Here are some search results on Paper Prototyping:

• Google results for "game & paper & prototyping".
• TeacherTube results for "paper & prototype"
• Ask.com results for "game & paper & prototyping".